In a move that has captured Silicon Valley’s attention, Google co-founder Sergey Brin has returned to the company at what he describes as the most exhilarating time in computing history—the age of artificial intelligence. After stepping away from day-to-day operations in 2019, Brin is now immersed in Google’s AI efforts, coding alongside engineers on the Gemini project and actively contributing to the company’s next-generation technologies. His re-engagement comes amid Google’s strategic push to reassert dominance in the AI space following stiff competition from OpenAI.

Ashok Leyland Ltd, one of India’s leading commercial vehicle manufacturers, posted a robust 33.44% year-on-year rise in consolidated net profit for the March quarter, reaching Rs. 1,245.92 crore. This performance, underpinned by record revenue and sustained demand, marked the highest quarterly and annual results in the company's history. Full-year profit surged to Rs. 3,382.79 crore, driven by operational efficiency and volume growth. The board approved a 1:1 bonus share issue, while dividends totaled Rs. 6.25 per share for FY25. With a cash surplus of over Rs.

In a bold display of economic ambition, Maharashtra has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-phase roadmap aimed at transforming the state into a USD 5 trillion economy by 2047. At the recent NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis outlined this vision, detailing strategic targets across governance, sustainability, and industrial growth. The state’s blueprint includes a USD 1 trillion milestone by 2030, green energy commitments, and significant foreign direct investment inflows.

In a significant infrastructure push aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, work has officially commenced on the four-laning of the Phagwara-Hoshiarpur highway in Punjab. The Rs. 1,058-crore road project spans 48.622 kilometers and is expected to be completed within two years. The project, flagged off by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari earlier this year, features a host of critical infrastructure upgrades including bypasses, underpasses, and a railway overbridge. Former Union Minister Som Parkash confirmed that land acquisition alone will cost Rs.

Sundaram Finance Holdings Ltd reported a consolidated net profit of Rs. 107.12 crore for the quarter ended March 2025, marking a 14.38% increase when adjusted for exceptional items. For the full financial year, profit stood at Rs. 412.08 crore, bolstered by the company’s expanding automotive investments despite a decline in reported income. Excluding a one-time gain from the prior year, the FY25 results reflect a 15.28% underlying growth in profitability.

The International Monetary Fund has approved a $1 billion disbursement to Pakistan following a successful review of the country’s adherence to its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program. The funding, granted in early May 2025, was sanctioned after IMF officials confirmed that Pakistan had met all stipulated targets and conditions. Despite objections from India—concerned about potential misuse of the funds—the IMF clarified that the financing is earmarked strictly for balance-of-payments support and managed under stringent central bank controls.

The Indian rupee registered a notable recovery on Friday, appreciating by 70 paise to close at Rs. 85.25 against the US dollar, snapping a three-day losing streak. The rebound was driven by a decline in the US dollar index, upbeat domestic equity performance, and a resurgence in global risk appetite. Despite the recovery, factors such as rising crude oil prices and persistent foreign capital outflows tempered the rupee’s gains. Market analysts anticipate further movement based on global economic cues, with the rupee expected to trade within a narrow band amid cautious optimism.

Alia Bhatt’s Cannes International Film Festival debut was a defining moment for Indian representation on the global stage of fashion and cinema. Draped in a striking haute couture gown from Schiaparelli’s Spring/Summer 2025 ‘Icarus’ collection, designed by Daniel Roseberry, Bhatt’s appearance exemplified bold artistic vision combined with understated elegance. With styling by Rhea Kapoor, her minimalist accessories and flawless makeup allowed the sculptural dress to command attention, elevating her presence amidst the sea of festival appearances.

PNC Infratech Ltd., a prominent player in India’s infrastructure sector, has successfully completed the divestment of its stake in ten road projects to Highways Infrastructure Trust (HIT), an Infrastructure Investment Trust. This move aligns with PNC’s capital recycling strategy, aimed at unlocking value from mature assets and channeling proceeds into new infrastructure investments. The transaction forms part of a broader agreement signed in January 2024, which involves a total of 12 road assets spanning over 3,800 lane-kilometers across four Indian states.

Indian equity markets staged a robust rebound on Friday, with benchmark indices snapping their previous session losses, powered by renewed investor interest in blue-chip stocks like Reliance Industries, HDFC Bank, and ITC. The BSE Sensex surged 769 points to close at 81,721.08, while the NSE Nifty jumped 243 points, nearing the 24,900 mark. The rally came amid mixed global cues and ongoing foreign investor outflows. Gains across major sectors overshadowed a dip in Sun Pharma following weak quarterly results.